Strongsville city officials are pursuing $1.1 million in state funding to enhance the intersection of Albion and Prospect roads, located on the city’s west side. The proposed project aims to add and lengthen turning lanes to accommodate rising traffic volumes in the area. Without state support, the future of the estimated $2.6 million project remains uncertain.
During a City Council meeting on September 2, 2023, council members unanimously authorized city administration to apply for the state funds, marking the latest attempt to secure financial backing for this long-discussed improvement. Strongsville has previously sought funding for the same project in 2014, 2017, and 2024, but efforts have not succeeded thus far.
As city officials await a decision on the funding, expected in December, the current design of the intersection includes a two-lane Albion Road that runs east to west towards Lorain County, remaining two lanes through the Prospect Road intersection. Proposed improvements include adding a right-turn-only lane from eastbound Albion onto southbound Prospect and lengthening the existing left-turn-only lanes on both sides of Prospect.
At the recent council meeting, Councilman Jim Carbone inquired about the city’s commitment to implement the lane modifications if state funding is granted. He noted that the city’s master plan, approved in 2019, suggested the possibility of a roundabout at the Albion and Prospect intersection as an alternative solution.
The city first addressed concerns regarding congestion and delays at this intersection in 2012, after receiving numerous complaints from residents. In response, Strongsville hired R.E. Warner & Associates from North Olmsted to conduct a study of the area. According to city officials, this initial study indicated that traffic flow could be significantly improved by adding appropriate turning lanes and upgrading signalization.
Following the study, Strongsville invested approximately $228,780 for the design of the intersection expansion and an additional $48,000 for property acquisition necessary for the project. In 2017, the city further allocated $47,500 to R.E. Warner for a water main replacement as part of the planned improvements.
The recommendations in the city’s 2019 master plan emphasized the need for intersection enhancements at Albion Road, considering both conventional signalization and the potential for a roundabout. With the latest funding application, city officials hope to finally advance this long-planned project that aims to improve safety and traffic flow at a critical junction in Strongsville.
